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City Cast Las Vegas

Rob Kachelriess

Welcome to the City Cast Las Vegas news quiz. These questions are based on stories in the newsletter over the past week. Up to the challenge? Answer the following questions to see how well you’ve been paying attention — and how well you know Las Vegas.

Looking for a previous Hey Las Vegas news quiz? Find it here.

Ready for a challenge? Take our weekly quiz, based on the news and stories of this past week in Las Vegas. 

Test Your Knowledge on Las Vegas News

Take This Week's Las Vegas News Trivia Quiz

What Las Vegans have been wondering. We break down why things in Las Vegas are the way they are and how they work.

Las Vegas, Explained

Time to cheer, scream, bet, and eat chicken wings. March Madness gets underway this week and Las Vegas is loaded with viewing parties.

As the weather heats up, enjoy March Madness from the comfort of a temperature-controlled pool or cabana. Stadium Swim, the rooftop pool deck at Circa, has 

 viewing parties throughout the month with the action easy to watch on a massive 78-million-pixel video wall.

 that’s hard to refuse at UnCommons in the Southwest Valley. Anyone dressed in support of their favorite team gets a free draft beer or dessert.

The Fontainebleau is staking its claim as a top spot for NCAA basketball tournament viewing with 

, transforming the BleauLive Theater into one big party March 19-21. Depending on your ticket, a buffet and at least two drinks are included. You’ll get to watch games on high-def video walls and place bets at an on-site sportsbook.

The D has done a good job establishing itself as one of the best places for March Madness viewing in Downtown. 

 runs March 18-21 with cocktails, concessions, satellite betting stations, and more. Best of all, it’s free! Unless you want to act like a baller and book your own 

 at Boulder Station is one of my favorite sports bars in Henderson. It operates 24 hours a day, the layout is wide open with plenty of seats, and food and drink specials begin at just $5.

 from the premises, Bottled Blonde is one of the best places to watch sports on the Strip. The multi-level bar and restaurant is promising to crank up the sound 

 with table reservations available and open seating by the bar.

Concert residencies are in short supply at Resorts World these days, so it’s nice to see the hotel’s theater put to good use as a 

 viewing party. Admission is free with plenty of food and drink to buy. You can also upgrade to couches and other VIP seating options.

Resorts World and Fontainebleau both offer locals 

Between sports bars and viewing parties, Las Vegas has fun spots for cheering on your favorite teams during March Madness.

Best Restaurants and Viewing Parties for March Madness in Las Vegas

The Best March Madness Viewing Parties in Las Vegas

Find the best of everything that Las Vegas has to offer.

Las Vegas’s Best

Las Vegas' Best

 returns next week, breathing temporary life into the dusty lungs of Primm, a place valued more for gas stations and restrooms than casinos these days. So get ready to take a short road trip to the state line. The race is a unique piece of Vegas lore that dates back decades.

The Mint 400 is one of the most prestigious and legendary off-road races in the world. Competitors hit a 100-mile dirt track in the desert for a total of four laps, adding up to 400 miles total — hence the name. There are different races in various vehicles and skill levels on Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7.

The race began in 1968, taking place in the desert outside Downtown. Sponsored by The Mint hotel and casino on Fremont Street, the event was originally an idea to promote the resort’s annual deer hunt, but developed into the largest off-road race in the world.

, including Indianapolis 500 winners, but also celebrity entrants like actors Steve McQueen and James Garner. Festivities connected to the race were hosted by the “Girls of the Mint 400,” selected from hundreds of entries each year. Lynda Carter and Vanna White were among the finalists early in their careers. The race was a focal point of Hunter S. Thompson’s “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” which elevated its status as an iconic event.

 and became part of the property now known as Binions, putting an end to the race. In 2008, new owners revived the Mint 400, which is now marketed more directly to racing enthusiasts.

 in Primm outside Buffalo Bill’s. Four additional 

 run along the track in Jean. Tickets begin at $37.36. Then again, you can always 

The Mint 400 has a festival atmosphere with food trucks, bars, exhibitors, entertainment, and a series of 

, including a vehicle parade down the Strip Wednesday, March 4 at 3 p.m. and a free festival in the Fremont East district Thursday, March 5, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Buffalo Bill’s hosts post-race celebrations, featuring ‘90s and beyond cover band 

The most notorious and grueling off-road race in the world has a long history in Las Vegas. 

Mint 400 Las Vegas Dates and Schedule

The Mint 400 and Its Wild Las Vegas History

People, places, and scenes from Las Vegas's past.

Las Vegas History

Whodoyagot — the Seattle Seahawks or the New England Patriots? Super Bowl Sunday is coming up on Feb. 8 and Las Vegas is full of great places to watch the Big Game.

 in Spring Valley is unapologetically loyal to the Seahawks — and nothing much will change on Feb. 8. You get all the usual NFL specials on drinks (including Coors and Miller Lite drafts for $3.50) and food (cheeseburgers, tacos, giant pretzels, Nathan’s chili dogs, and other bites for $8 each), but a $20 admission fee is required.

 on Flamingo and the 215 isn’t a full-fledged Patriots bar, but it does attract a larger-than-average contingent of New England fans. That may be enough to pay the $60 reservation fee ($50 of which goes towards food and drink) while enjoying beer bucket discounts on Coors Light and Miller Lite.

 helped turn video games into a spectator sport at the Luxor and now hosts a viewing party to watch the Super Bowl on a giant LED video wall. Tickets begin at $165 with an open bar included through the third quarter.

🍺 The Biggest Big Game Bash returns to the 

 for the last time before the outdoor concert venue is turned into a parking lot 😢 Admission is free to watch on a giant big-screen with food trucks and games to stay busy if the Big Game is a big snooze. Shell out a few bucks to reserve private tables or man caves.

, but Mayor Shelley Berkley argues it’s private property and the owners are free to make their own decisions on it. [change.org]

 at AREA15 has the action on immersive, wraparound video walls — and your entry fee, beginning at $125, includes a buffet.

🥃 The Arts District finally has a full-fledged sports bar with 

, which has tailgate-style grilling for burgers and dogs, shot girls roaming between tables, and more football fun. There’s a minimum spend of $50. Seating is first-come, first-served.

 rooftop pool deck has a buffet, drinks, and this one seals the deal: pyrotechnics 💥 Admission begins at $125.

🐶 Bring your doggie to this one. In a fun twist, 

 is hosting a 21-and-over viewing party for the 

 with light snacks, a charity football pool, and doggie activities. The event is free, but open to 

 at the Aria is switching to an all-inclusive format, inviting guests to munch on bites from all of its food counters during the game (beginning at $200 per person), including the newly opened Lucky Bird 🐔 That’s starting to sound more like a buffet than a food hall, but let’s not 

 at The Strat has the beer, pizza, and other tailgate fare you’d expect, but is winning me over with something called a soft pretzel wall 👀 Prices begin at $89 per person.

👠 It’s not unusual to watch football at a Las Vegas strip club, but we’re singling out 

 because of its non-intimidating atmosphere — and that time one of their performers told us 

what it’s really like to be an exotic dancer

 in Las Vegas. Pricing begins at $79 for unlimited bites.

 at the Downtown Container Park has unlimited beer, palomas, and margaritas during the game for the early-bird price of $40.

🎳 Want to bowl while watching football? You can do it at 

 ($195 per lane for up to five people) and 

Super Bowl Sunday is coming up on Feb. 8 and Las Vegas is full of great places to watch the Big Game.

Where to Watch the Super Bowl in Vegas

The Wildest and Weirdest Super Bowl Viewing Parties in Las Vegas

One week from today marks 55 years since the passing of Charles “Sonny” Liston — an all-time boxing great who won the heavyweight championship, faced Muhammad Ali twice, and lived out his final days in Las Vegas while never escaping the shadow of the mob over his career.

 at Davis Memorial Park (also known as Paradise Memorial Gardens) east of the Strip. The modest marker only lists the name of the heavyweight championship boxer, years of birth and death, and just two words: “A Man.”

It’s not even entirely known if one of those years is accurate. Liston himself never knew his exact birthday and there’s no certificate available. He was born in poverty in rural Arkansas and got into frequent trouble with the law before finding success in boxing.

Liston was a terrifying presence, known for his brute force and power. He won and unified the heavyweight championships with a pair of first-round knockouts over Floyd Patterson in the early ‘60s. The first was at Chicago’s Comiskey Park. The second was Liston’s first fight in Las Vegas at the Convention Center.

The champ’s career suddenly took a dive — in more ways than one, according to some. Liston lost to Cassius Clay after leaving the ring and failing to return for the seventh round. A rematch against Clay, then renamed Muhammad Ali, was even more controversial. Liston lost by knockout in the first round to what critics described as a 

 prompting accusations that Liston threw the fight. Even his 

The image of Liston flat on his back, underneath a snarling Ali, became 

one of the most iconic sports photos in history

 and Liston wasn’t able to overcome the damage to his legacy. Despite a mostly winning record, Liston never recaptured championship glory. His 

 after the Ali series was by knockout to Leotis Martin at the Las Vegas Hilton, which is now the Westgate.

Liston spent his later years in Las Vegas, living in a 

 in Paradise Palms near the Las Vegas Country Club. He’d often shoot craps with fellow boxing champ Joe Louis, who lived about a mile away and was a celebrity greeter at Caesars Palace.

Liston was found dead by his wife inside his Vegas home in 1970 — just eight years after he was crowned heavyweight champion. The coroner listed natural causes as the reason. Police say heroin was found near the body. Others argue otherwise, claiming it had to do with long-running mafia connections and 

We may never know the full truth. Liston’s death remains mysterious, just like his birth. Take a moment to think about the boxing great’s remarkable life, even if you happen to see his unremarkable tombstone in Las Vegas.

The gravesite of a troubled sports icon is easy to miss at a crowded Las Vegas cemetery. 

Did Sonny Liston Take a Dive?

The Saddest Tombstone in Las Vegas?

We’re exactly two weeks away from New Year’s Eve. (Have you 

 yet?) To be honest, 2026 is shaping up to be a relatively quiet year for Las Vegas. I’m not excited. So let’s skip ahead to 2028, a year that’s packed with big projects. Will they actually happen?

The long-promised all-electric high-speed rail between Las Vegas and 

 Rancho Cucamonga was supposed to be ready in time for the 2028 SoCal Summer Olympics. Despite the 

 more than a year ago, Brightline has spent its time on environmental studies, contracts, and 

 before laying what’s supposed to be 218 miles of track through the Mojave Desert.

, a baseball stadium for a team nobody likes is now under construction on the lot. If you believe A’s officials, work is on schedule and already 

, while the A’s continue to play at a minor league field in Sacramento (instead of building some local goodwill by doing the same thing here).

I think the local tourism industry and A’s owner John Fisher will somehow will this thing to happen, even if it gets messy.

Las Vegas has an art scene, but not a big-time, full-fledged accredited art museum. That’s changing with the Las Vegas Museum of Art, 

 at Symphony Park. Once complete, it will have two floors of exhibition space covering 90,000 square feet, plus a sculpture park.

Count on it. The philanthropy and art crowd has a lot of pull in Las Vegas — and the city is heavily invested in the success of Symphony Park, which also includes the Smith Center. Plus, nobody wants to drop the ball on the 

🗳️ Nevada: First In the Nation Primary?

Get ready 🫣 America will have another presidential election in 2028 — and the first to not have Trump on the ballot since 2012 (assuming the Constitution is still functioning as usual). The Democrats have been shuffling around the primary calendar and Nevada is a 

 to be moved to the head of the line, thanks to its diverse electorate and dropping the old, complicated caucus system.

Maybe. If it does, it will come with an asterisk. New Hampshire has a built-in state law to be the first primary, which meant its delegates didn’t count in 2024 when the DNC made South Carolina first.

March Madness is the busiest time of the year for sportsbooks — and Las Vegas will go all the way in 2028, 

 for the first time at Allegiant Stadium.

As 2026 shapes up to be a relatively quiet year for Las Vegas, let’s skip ahead to 2028, a year that’s packed with big projects.

Changes Coming to Las Vegas in 2028

Looking Ahead to … 2028? 

 debuts in Las Vegas on Saturday. No, this isn’t a serious competition sponsored by the fast food chain. It’s a grass-roots spectacle that invites runners of all skill levels to follow a path from Summerlin to Henderson while stopping to eat at seven Taco Bell locations along the way.

 (but you don’t have to). The idea was hatched and organized by Paige Liberski of 

Everyone is required to eat at least one Taco Bell food item at each stop. No repeats. The choices must include a Crunchwrap Supreme, Burrito Supreme, and Nachos Bell Grande before reaching the final Taco Bell near Cadence. The first person to finish receives a “Golden Taco” championship. Everything is done on a trust system, but save your receipts and take a few photos to qualify for the prize. A 15-minute penalty is added to your time for throwing up 🤮 (If you’re taking this seriously, read the 

Costumes are encouraged. You can also spice up the challenge by adding Diablo sauce to all your food (and chugging a packet as a shooter at the finish line) or drinking two liters of Baja Blast over the course of the day to wash down those calories.

At last check, about 50-60 people have registered for the Taco Bell Ultra Run. The route is designed to follow a slight downhill elevation for the most part, but is more than 30 miles, exceeding the 26.2 miles of a standard marathon. Even experienced runners are expecting to take much of the day — five to eight hours, maybe more — to do this.

🌮 Which Taco Bell Locations Are on the Route?

 Charleston & Town Center (beginning at 8 a.m.)

 Lake Mead & Burkholder (open until 2 a.m.)

You’ll run anywhere between three and seven miles between each Taco Bell. Of course, not everyone will do the entire route. Know your limits, pace yourself, and even if you only make it to just a few of those Taco Bells, you’re a winner in my book 🏆 And don't forget to 

The Taco Bell Ultra Run is a test of endurance, sanity, and fast food consumption over more than 30 miles.

A Race Between Seven Taco Bells

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Las Vegas. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Las Vegas Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Remember when Formula 1 first came to Las Vegas? No, not two years ago. Back in the early ‘80s 😎 We’re a little more than a week away from the third-ever Las Vegas Grand Prix, but Formula 1 first began flirting with the Las Vegas Strip more than 40 years ago.

Formula 1 held races at Caesars Palace in 1981 and 1982. In stark contrast to today’s atmosphere, the races had little support from Clark County and other properties failed to get on board to take advantage of the hype. It turned out to be a bust for the casino business at Caesars Palace, failing to attract the anticipated return on investment.

The track for the Caesars Palace Grand Prix was 

 and built in the old Caesars Palace parking lot where the Forum Shops now stand. Cab drivers were invited to take a spin and break in the asphalt.

The track was 2.3 miles with 14 corners that competitors found repetitive. At more than 75 laps, that added up to about 

 and physically challenging driving. The track also ran counter-clockwise, contrasting with European preferences for tracks designed clockwise. There were no garage facilities, leaving cars to be stored and serviced in the desert heat.

Sitting in the desert sun didn’t have much appeal for fans either. (Remember, this was decades before the luxury suites we see today.) The 1982 race drew less than 30,000 spectators, which doesn't sound bad, but was the smallest F1 attendance of the year.

Does it matter? Carlos Reutemann of Argentina (who later became a governor in his home country) was the favorite, but Australian Alan Jones 

 in ‘81 and Michele Alboreto of Ireland 

. The ‘82 race is notable for being the final F1 appearance for Mario Andretti, who placed 28th.

Formula 1 withdrew after two years into a four-year deal and the CART Indy car series took over the last two races. While Formula 1’s first foray into Vegas was a disappointment for Caesars Palace, it gave the resort worldwide attention that continues to resonate with the lucrative international tourist market.

 returned to Vegas more than four decades later in 2023. Was it a success? We’re still trying to 

Long before the Las Vegas Grand Prix came along, Formula 1 had a race track in front of Caesars Palace.

The History of Formula One Racing in Las Vegas

The Lost History of Formula 1 in Las Vegas

You know all those sports bars where Las Vegans gather together to cheer, scream, and share a common love of the Raiders? I don’t either. But our city is full of fun bars who’ve pledged a fierce loyalty to NFL teams from other parts of the country.

 in Spring Valley has a fierce loyalty to the Ravens, paired with Maryland-style seafood, from blue crabs to fresh-shucked oysters.

 near Arville and Desert Inn has been a longtime draw for Bills fans hungry for beer, wings, and pizza. Those in Henderson can cheer on the team at 

 on Charleston in the West Valley is the #1 spot for Browns fans, featuring old-school vibes (including stained-glass windows) and Italian favorites heavy on the red sauce.

 loves the Broncos even more than it loves karaoke with a full menu served round the clock and a loyalty that dates back to 1996.

 on Jones and Harmon is the top spot to watch the Chiefs. The menu is a nice surprise, from sloppy joes and a hearty house-made chili to Asian/Islander touches in the lumpia, noodles, and loco moco.

 a Raiders bar, but the team still feels a little “Oakland” to us. Play it safe at the official 

 inside the M Resort, which has a prime rib special during Monday Night Football.

 is a local chain with seven locations and no outward NFL loyalty, although 

 is known to get overrun by Chargers fans. It also has a menu elevated by Naked City Pizza. Order the Guinea Pie 👍

 has been a place where Parrotheads can sing along to “Margaritaville” and Dolphins fans can yell at TV screens. Stick around for live music every weekend.

, a staple on Sahara and Cimarron since 1989, is known for all-day breakfast, late-night happy hour, nonstop gaming, and love for the Tennessee Titans.

 for one of two reasons: bar league poker nights or to watch Bears games. It’s on Rancho by the North Las Vegas Airport.

 has a wild reputation for late-night karaoke and biker nights, but the passion is strong for the Cowboys too, especially on Sundays when fans can order the $16 steak special.

 on Decatur and Trop is a known gathering spot for Lions fans. (You get a free glass of champagne with a breakfast entree — any time of day.) If you prefer more of a dive, go with 

 locations on Tropicana, Desert Inn, and Boulder Highway or 

, which has some of the best local beer in town and $75 

 take their Minnesota heritage seriously, especially when munching on cheese curds and breaded pickle fries during Vikings games.

 in Summerlin is more of a restaurant than a bar, but it’s the top spot to watch the Saints while wolfing down jambalaya and beignets.

: The Eagles have some of the most devoted fans in football, especially at the 

, where viewing parties “bleed green” while ordering burgers and cheesesteaks.

: 90-ounce beer towers are perfect for viewing parties to watch the 49ers at 

 : The passion for the Seahawks is strong in Spring Valley at 

, which serves brick-oven pizzas, loaded nachos, and other game-day bites.

 — the one near the South Point, where you can place a last-minute bet — is a favorite for Bucs fans.

 on Buffalo is a hangout for Commanders loyalists, who don’t shy from wearing old-school Redskins gear.

Our research found local support to be relatively soft for the Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Rams, New York Giants, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers (R.I.P Noreen's). 

Are we cheering on the Raiders this season? It's a soft "maybe." So we've got a list of Vegas bars supporting other NFL teams. 

Sports Bars for NFL Fans in Las Vegas

A Las Vegas Sports Bar for (Almost) Every NFL Fan

Today is Oct. 22 — which means we’re exactly one month away from the 

. The race organization dropped ticket prices, improved the track construction schedule, and kept locals more in mind this year. Still — the experience remains pricey. So 

 does Vegas have to offer race fans in the weeks ahead of the big event?

 mixes a fun sport with food, booze, and a party atmosphere — this time, a love of Formula One racing inside the Forum Shops at Caesars. The race simulators are more user-friendly (and fun tbh) than the ones City Cast saw firsthand at Grand Prix Plaza, offering a high-intensity chance to take virtual laps around the Las Vegas Grand Prix, along with other F1 courses. Families are welcome throughout the day. The night switches into a 21-and-over lounge mode after 7 p.m. Either way, you get to fill up your tank with burgers, flatbreads, and tandoori chicken tacos 👀

Head north of Las Vegas and you’ll hit the 

 and its 1.5-mile tri-oval, which is home to NASCAR in Vegas (and the Electric Daisy Carnival, but that’s 

). A surrounding complex includes a four-lane drag strip that welcomes the 

 Oct. 31 to Nov. 2. with closer views and cheaper tickets than F1. The Speedway also has regular fan-friendly attractions like 

, and tours to get visitors out of the stands and onto the track.

Hop inside a Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, or another exotic car at 

It's a busy season for race fans, but if the Las Vegas Grand Prix is too much to handle right now, we have a few fun alternatives to rev your engines. 

sports

Take This Week's Las Vegas News Trivia Quiz

The Best March Madness Viewing Parties in Las Vegas

The Mint 400 and Its Wild Las Vegas History

Latest articles

Take This Week's Las Vegas News Trivia Quiz

The Best March Madness Viewing Parties in Las Vegas

The Mint 400 and Its Wild Las Vegas History

The Wildest and Weirdest Super Bowl Viewing Parties in Las Vegas

The Saddest Tombstone in Las Vegas?

Looking Ahead to … 2028?

A Race Between Seven Taco Bells

Latest articles

The Wildest and Weirdest Super Bowl Viewing Parties in Las Vegas

The Saddest Tombstone in Las Vegas?

Looking Ahead to … 2028?

A Race Between Seven Taco Bells

The Lost History of Formula 1 in Las Vegas

A Las Vegas Sports Bar for (Almost) Every NFL Fan

Cool Stuff for Race Fans in Las Vegas That Isn’t Formula 1